4 Misconceptions You Need Understand Before Traveling To South Africa

Since as long as I can remember, when anyone mentions South Africa to a non-South African citizen, you’re almost guaranteed to hear comments about the crime, the poverty and even the wild animals that just casually roam the streets.

These assumptions are somewhat accurate, but it’s not what South Africa is all about.

I’ve lived in South Africa my entire life, so I’d say I know this place relatively well.

OK, there are many understood negative factors about South Africa, however, there are plenty things many people don’t know about this country.

So here, I am promoting South Africa.

I’m not going to bore you about the facts and history of this country.

I’m just here to clear up some rumors and inform you about some things you should know before you visit this wonderful country.

Here are four important things you should know before visiting South Africa:

1. Yes, there is crime. No, you will not be mugged everywhere you go.

The crime in South Africa is an extremely serious issue in the country, but it should not be a reason to avoid South Africa as a destination.

Yes, there is crime, and yes, there is plenty of crime.

However, we do not all live in houses with our own security guards and guard dogs and guns.

We do not avoid going out because we worry about what will happen.

The crime in our country does not cripple our living; we don’t stop our lives because of it.

And you shouldn’t avoid South Africa because of it.

The reality is, all countries have some form of a crime rate, but people get on with their lives.

I’m not here to bash other countries, but it’s the truth.

There is crime everywhere, not just in South Africa.

You do not need to bring any weapons or forms of protection when coming to South Africa.

2. Wild animals do not roam our streets.

Contrary to popular belief, wild animals do not casually roam our streets.

No, we do not have lions, elephants or giraffes as pets.

We have normal pets like cats and dogs, not buffalo.

I know when one thinks of Africa, “The Lion King” comes to mind, but it is very, very different.

There are no lions, except in our game reserves, which you will see plenty of on a safari.